Microsoft is buying the educational version of Minecraft and has plans to create a bigger and better version of the popular world-building video game that’s designed for classrooms.

The Redmond, Washington, software company will partner with TeacherGaming LLC, creator of MinecraftEdu, to transform that game into ‘Minecraft: Education Edition.’

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Microsoft is buying the educational version of Minecraft and has plans to create a bigger and better version of the popular world-building video game that’s designed for classrooms.

WHAT IS MINECRAFT?

Minecraft was created in 2009. At the start of the game, a player is put into a ‘virtually infinite game world.’

They can then walk around different terrains, including mountains, forests and caves. Players can also fly up in the air for a birds-eye view of the landscape.

Players are given blocks and tools to build towns and cities. As a player progresses they can earn advanced tools and building blocks in different materials.

The game was initially made for the PC but there are now Xbox 360 and mobile versions available.

Microsoft says the new version will add and expand features intended to make the game classroom friendly, including better maps and coordinates that will help teachers and students find their way around a Minecraft world together.

Developers will also beef up the game’s multi-player capabilities so that a classroom of up to 40 kids can work together.

The game lets players explore, fight monsters and build surprisingly complex structures – even electrical circuits – out of blocks.

You could easily use it to teach math, said Deirdre Quaranstrom, Microsoft’s director of Minecraft education.

But kids could also explore ancient temples in the game for a history class or view the inside of an eyeball as part of a science lesson.

Perks for educators include an online community with a mentorship program for connecting teachers experienced with Minecraft to those new to it.

The new game will be available this summer, with free trials available for teachers and students. Microsoft will announce pricing details before the end of the current school year, but says it currently plans to keep the price at $5 per user per year.

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Kids could also explore ancient temples in the game for a history class or view the inside of an eyeball as part of a science lesson, Microsoft says.

‘Of course, every Minecraft player learns essential life-skills like tree-punching and good Creeper-defence but, when used in the right way, Minecraft can help people around the world to learn lots more,’ Mojang, the game’s developed said.

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Minecraft founder Markus Persson sold Minecraft to Microsoft in September, in a deal that was said to be worth $2.5 billion (£1.5 billion). The latest Windows Phone version (pictured) includes all of Minecraft’s mobile features, including Survival mode, Creative mode and multiplayer features when played on Wi-Fi networks

‘Over the past few years, educators around the world have been using Minecraft to explore subjects that might not spring to mind when you think of our block-based game.

Since 2011, MinecraftEdu – a version of Minecraft built for the classroom – has been used in over 40 countries. Lots of people have learned loads of things since then.’

MINECRAFT INVENTOR HAS ‘NEVER FELT MORE ISOLATED’ SINCE SELING FIRM FOR £1.5 BILLION

Minecraft inventor Markus Persson claims he’s ‘never felt more isolated’ since selling his company Mojang AB to Microsoft for £1.5billion.

In a series of a downhearted tweets, the Swede spoke of how he disliked his new-found wealth and felt unchallenged and empty.

He wrote: ‘The problem with getting everything is you run out of reasons to keep trying, and human interaction becomes impossible due to imbalance.

‘Hanging out in Ibiza with a bunch of friends and partying with famous people, able to do whatever I want, and I’ve never felt more isolated.

‘In Sweden, I will sit around and wait for my friends with jobs and families to have time to do shit, watching my reflection in the monitor.’

Persson has a personal fortune of around £1billion, according to Forbes estimates.

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Development of Minecraft: Education Edition will be shaped by a community of educators thanks to education.minecraft.net.

The site will host lesson plans and give Minecraft: Education Edition users somewhere to discuss ideas and provide feedback.

‘We know teachers can be a rowdy bunch, so we’re looking into the best ways to moderate the forums as I type. Wish us luck.’